VLC is the universal video format player. It’s free, easy to use, and open source. However, it’s designed to run on a computer. If you’re using that computer to put video onto a monitor or TV set to watch from a distance, it can be frustrating to manage playback.

In Control of VLC: VLC Remote pairs with VLC software to let you control playback of videos. The paid version of the app also lets you browse a computer’s hard drive for files and control DVDs, among other features.

VLC Remote from Hobbyist Software pairs with VLC software using a bit of separately installed Windows or Mac software. The app lets you start, stop, and pick a playback spot. You can also adjust volume, and manage video playlists. The app features controls for remotely playing DVDs on a computer as well.

The software lets you browse the computer’s hard drive to pick files to play back. For dedicated VLC users, VLC Remote is a good counterpart. A free version of the app features advertisements and limits you to playback controls.